The King Steps Out (1936)

User Rating:

5.9/10   

Director:

Josef von Sternberg

Writers:

Sidney Buchman (writer)
Ernst Decsey (play)

Release Date:

28 May 1936 (USA)

Genre:

Musical | Romance

Plot:

Princess is destined to marry the Emperor, until her sister steps in. |

Plot Keywords:

Based On Play

Cast

Grace Moore	...	Princess Elizabeth / Cissy (as Miss Grace Moore)
Franchot Tone	...	Emperor Franz Josef
Walter Connolly	...	Maximilian, Duke of Bavaria
Raymond Walburn	...	Colonel Von Kempen
Elisabeth Risdon	...	Grand Duchess Sofia
Nana Bryant	...	Louise
Victor Jory	...	Captain Palfi
Frieda Inescort	...	Princess Helena
Thurston Hall	...	Major
Herman Bing	...	Pretzelberger
George Hassell	...	Herlicka
Johnny Arthur	...	Chief of the Secret Police

Also Known As:

Sissy (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

85 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Finland:S

Company:

Columbia Pictures Corporation

Trivia:

Gwen Verdon's film debut.

Soundtrack:

Learn How To Lose

Enchanting!

Every serious director seems to have one frivolous gem of a comedy in him. Bergman had Smiles of a Summer Night. Hitchcock had Mr. and Mrs. Smith. This is von Sternberg's. The sometimes starchy "Miss Grace Moore" is relaxed and charming. Kriesler's tunes are as buoyant and sleek as the decor. Rich and sweet as a Viennese pastry and total escapism -- if one can forget the sad fate of the real-life Cissy who was mistreated by husband and mother-in-law and eventually assassinated. Another Hollywood deviation: Cissy was noted for her gorgeous hip-length black hair. Moore has short blonde curls. Oh, well, forget such petty details and let's have another delicious, delirious waltz.